Buffalo Bills GM Doug Whaley is 'absolutely' open to drafting a QB early in the 2016 NFL draft

Ryan Talbot

01/26/2016

Doug Whaley is open to drafting a QB early in the 2016 NFL draft.

The Buffalo Bills will have a quarterback represent them at the Pro Bowl for the first time since Drew Bledsoe did so in 2002. It seems the team may have finally found a franchise quarterback so drafting a QB high in the 2016 NFL draft is out of the question, right? In the famous words of Lee Corso, "Not so fast, my friend!"

Bills GM Doug Whaley told Ty Dunne of The Buffalo News that he could 'absolutely' consider selecting a quarterback early this year.

Although some Bills fans would be unhappy seeing the team select a quarterback within the first few rounds of the draft, Whaley's logic makes sense. Both Tyrod Taylor and E.J. Manuel will both enter the 2016 season on the final year of their respective contracts. The latter will certainly be gone after the 2016 season and Taylor needs to prove that he can build off of his first season as a starter.

Even if Taylor emerges as a franchise QB and the Bills sign him to a long-term deal after the 2016 season, Buffalo will need a viable backup behind him. Taylor's style of play led to the quarterback taking quite a few hits this season and it's very possible that he misses time on the field throughout his career due to taking shots from the opposition.

Selecting a quarterback on day two of the draft or early in day three could give the Bills a quarterback for Greg Roman and David Lee to develop behind Taylor. This year, Buffalo went 0-2 without Taylor on the field so it's important that the Bills find someone who they feel they can win with in case Taylor suffers an injury.

Who are some realistic "early" options for the Bills in the draft? Buffalo Football Report will look at some draft options later this week.